HBO Remaking Racy French Brothel Costume Drama 'Maison Close'

French TV series "Maison Close" is getting an HBO remake. The ongoing Canal Plus drama, which premiered in 2010, is set in a Parisian brothel in 1871 and follows three women who work there and are trying to free themselves from prostitution.

According to Variety, HBO has picked up remake rights to the series. Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson's production company Leverage Management, also responsible for fellow HBO shows "Entourage," "How to Make It In America" and "Boardwalk Empire,' will produce the English-language pilot. "Alcatraz" co-creator Elizabeth Sarnoff, who wrote multiple episodes of "Lost" and "Deadwood" (among others), will pen the pilot.

The HBO remake will be co-executive produced by Jacques Ouaniche ("Games of Love and Chance"), who's the creator of and a producer on the original series, and will star American actors despite being set in Paris. Ouaniche cites "Deadwood," which featured two memorable brothels itself, as a primary inspiration for his series.

Directed by Mabrouk El Mechri ("JCVD"), the original "Maison Close" stars Jemima West, Anne Charrier, Valérie Karsenti and Clémence Bretécher and is currently in production for its second season. Here's a trailer promoting the UK DVD release of the first season: